Amnesty for Illegal Foreigners in Turkey, How to Apply?

     The process of obtaining a residence and work permit for foreign workers in domestic services consists of several steps. The employee is responsible for ensuring that each stage is completed correctly.

     To obtain a manual appointment, foreigner or an authorized attorney must personally visit the Immigration Office and submit the following documents:

• A notarized commitment letter from the employer 
• A screenshot proving that an online appointment could not be scheduled through the e-residence system 
• A petition explaining the inability to obtain an online appointment

     After submitting these documents, an SMS will be sent to the registered phone number with the appointment date and time. On the day of the appointment, the foreign worker and employer must visit the Immigration Office in person to complete the residence permit application. Since June 2025, Amnesty Applications are now being accepted by the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management located on Vatan Street in Istanbul which is known as “Vatan Caddesi Göç İdaresi”

     2. Submission of Documents at the Migration Office

     On the day of the appointment, both the employer and the foreign worker must personally visit the Migration Office to submit the required documents. The required documents may vary depending on the specific circumstances of both the foreign national and the employer. 

• Employer’s ID and Residence Certificate 
• A recent utility bill issued in the Employer’s name 
• Notarized Undertaking Letter 
• Fully detailed population registration document (Vukuatlı Nüfus Kayıt Örneği) of the employer
• Employer’s bank statement covering the last 6 months
• Social Security (SGK) record of the sponsor
• Passport of the foreign national 
• A petition which shows reason for employing the foreign national (e.g., elder care, child care, etc.) Supporting documents for the petition must be added. 
• Private health insurance issued in the foreigner’s name

     3. Work Permit Application 

     Once the residence permit is obtained, the employer must apply for the work permit through the e-Government (e-Devlet) system. After completing the necessary documents, the work permit application is processed. Once approved, the foreign worker can legally start working in domestic services.